That means he may not be in a position to keep his promise to the markets.

Of course, Bernanke could always serve a third term as Fed chairman. But there are two problems with that. First, he’d have to be offered the job, something Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney has said that he would not do. Second, it’s not clear whether Bernanke would take the job. He has not commented on the matter publicly, but acquaintances speculate that he wouldn’t.

Is it too soon to start worry about Bernanke’s future? Not for two market strategists I spoke with recently who said that the Bernanke watch was on their radar as a potential hiccup for markets next year.

What do you think? Will Bernanke serve a third term? Will markets care?